Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1781

Mesopotamian Bronze Tanged Javelin

3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.

18 1/8 in. (194 grams, 46 cm).

With a foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium-length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal.

Provenance

Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

Literature

Cf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XXXIII, no.82, from Tepe Hissar; Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, p.301, fig.2.88, subtype L2.B.b.

Footnotes

The specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with a long, pointed biconvex blade and a single bevelled tang. They seem to be a Mesopotamian and Susian (Elamite) variant, and this type also includes decorated blades, like the spear from Tello with the inscription 'King of Kish'.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1781

Mesopotamian Bronze Tanged Javelin

Sold for (Inc. bp): £156

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead
    Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead
    Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £111

    With a short socketted shaft, the plain rectangular blade broadening towards the cutting edge; side holes on the shaft. 446 grams, 11.4 cm



    Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

    Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes, and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which a core was inserted to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.

    Lot Details

  • Luristan Bronze Tanged Short Sword
    Luristan Bronze Tanged Short Sword
    2nd-1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £208

    Substantial blade with rounded shoulders and a short rectangular-section tang. 355 grams, 42.7 cm



    Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

    Luristan was hardly an ethnic or political entity, but the people of Luri had relations through warfare and trade with Sumerians, Lullubi, Assyrians, Babylonians and Elamites over a long period of time, spanning from the 3rd to the 2nd millennium B.C. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses.

    Lot Details

  • Elamite Bronze Macehead with Winged Human and Animal Figure
    Elamite Bronze Macehead with Winged Human and Animal Figure
    2nd millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £750

    Of cylindrical form with a raised collar at each end, one side depicting a nude male with a projecting grotesque head, the other side with a projecting ram's head with a long, curving serpent below, two crescentic wings projecting from the upper part of the socket. 285 grams, 98 mm



    Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13258-253387.

    Maces in the Middle East had always had a double function since the early periods: a) as a weapon and b) as a status symbol or symbol of rank and office. The bull-headed mace, called gorz-e gavsar in Persian, was already in use in the ancient Elam and Luristan, and was also common in religious ceremonies.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list